I've got a line on one in original, slightly faded red paint with every single accessory and original part, 11,000 miles and seemingly overall veru good condition. The seat has been recovered, and that seems to be the only bit that has been altered. It has not run in maybe 5 years, but has good compression, electrics etc. Is this something worth using as a rider? I know the basics on these, but how is reliability, and what do these go for on ebay etc. They seem pretty rare and I can't even find any auction results. I'm super excited about the prospect of this, I really like the look of the toaster tank etc.

healeyblue

05-26-2010 09:38 PM

T500 Cobra

I used to sell Suzuki motorcycles in the late 70s. I have only seen one Cobra...ever. However, it is basically the stone-axe reliable predecessor of the T500 Titan. Nothing could kill these bikes. I have always had an urge to own an old Titan again. They handled pretty well for the time and were quite smooth compared to most British twins of the era.

Two strokes had quite peaky torque curves but the T500 was actually quite wide (for a two stroke).

healeyblue says the Cobra is basically the same as the Titan. I rode a Titan from new and never had an issue. One trip was 4,000 miles in 13 days and during that time I did foul one plug in heavy traffic. Other than that nothing ever happened to it. It was very comfortable, used almost no oil (consumption was less than a friend's Jaguar, which I thought was pretty funny) and turned in a predictable 50mpg. The lack of engine braking was a bit of an issue in the big hills and in south Louisiana in the summer it attracted zillions of love bugs.

I'd not hesitate to buy one. Good luck.

Frank06

05-29-2010 08:03 PM

I got my '73 Titan running after it had sat for ~15 years in a leaky shed (basically the same bike as the Cobra). The PO had evidently drained the carbs as everything was dry (but not rusty.) Add gas, clean points and set timing. Kick bike (the starter not the bike!). Go for ride. Very reliable and a nice old ride.

barko1

05-31-2011 10:16 AM

They are pretty solid but I wouldn't vote for it as a daily rider just because costs for old parts can be higher. You can still get Suz parts from a dealer, back to about 73, after that it seems to get more difficult. Maybe there are enough Titan parts around that could work. There is likely to be a lot that needs to be done. If it has sat for 5 years then the tank probably needs a going through, fuel lines are likely brittle, no doubt some bolts that won't want to come out. Airfilter may need to be created, of course carbs will need extensive soaking/cleaning, cables could be toast, all fixable. If the cranks seals have gone to heaven then you will need to find some new ones ($150 for my X6) and spilt the cases etc to install. I had a T500 and would like to get another some day. Just got myself a couple of water buffalos. How much do they want for this. It doesn't seem like a big collectable, not running so who knows what lurks in the motor, and it will take some work even if it is basically solid, I'll take it!

killfile

05-31-2011 10:40 AM

They can go for $8500 fully restored in the US.

Seat pan is highly prone to rusting all the way through, and they are next to impossible to find replacements.

Crank seals will most likely need to be redone after sitting for 5 years. After you fix that and confirm the oil lines are running right it should run forever, and actually prefers to be ridden frequently (once a week-ish) to keep the crank seals in good nack.

Edit: Just realizing this is a bump of an old thread. If I remember correctly zoo picked up the Cobra, but last I heard he was selling it?

darmst6829

06-01-2011 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoo mob
(Post 13041768)

I've got a line on one in original, slightly faded red paint with every single accessory and original part, 11,000 miles and seemingly overall veru good condition. The seat has been recovered, and that seems to be the only bit that has been altered. It has not run in maybe 5 years, but has good compression, electrics etc. Is this something worth using as a rider? I know the basics on these, but how is reliability, and what do these go for on ebay etc. They seem pretty rare and I can't even find any auction results. I'm super excited about the prospect of this, I really like the look of the toaster tank etc.

From what I understand the 1968 model was a hot rod with the later machines becoming detuned for touring. Suzuki made the best two strokes. Dave

I've got a line on one in original, slightly faded red paint with every single accessory and original part, 11,000 miles and seemingly overall veru good condition. The seat has been recovered, and that seems to be the only bit that has been altered. It has not run in maybe 5 years, but has good compression, electrics etc. Is this something worth using as a rider? I know the basics on these, but how is reliability, and what do these go for on ebay etc. They seem pretty rare and I can't even find any auction results. I'm super excited about the prospect of this, I really like the look of the toaster tank etc.

this was at Rhinebeck last weekend. he wanted like $8500 but it was %110 perfect.